Golf club carrying case

ABSTRACT

A golf club carrying case has first and second elongated shells connected along a first longitude edge by one or more hinges. At least one closing mechanism is used to hold the first and second elongated shells together, along a second longitude edge, to form an elongated housing. A number of restraints are used to restrain golf clubs within the elongated housing. The first and second elongated shells are shaped such that one end of the elongated housing is large enough to accommodate the heads of driver clubs and the lengths of the first and second elongated shells are sufficient to accommodate the maximum length of a driver club.

BACKGROUND

Bags for carrying golf clubs are typically rigid or soft wallcylindrical bags that have an opening at one end to allow golf clubs tobe inserted and removed.

Commonly, bags used in play are made of a flexible material, which ismore comfortable when the bag is carried or larger more rigid structuredesigned to be placed on a golf cart. Bags used for transporting clubsare more rigid, with golf clubs inserted at one end of the bag, andinclude a means for closing the end of the bag.

Golf clubs and bags are usually packed together for airline travel in alarger case made of rigid, impact resistant material or a soft paddedcase. These bags typically have two wheels and a handle to enable to bagto be wheeled through airports.

Cylindrical bags may be made up of several tubular sections that areassembled to form a bag.

Similar carrying cases are used for carrying other elongated implements,such as fishing rods.

A common problem with bags used for transporting golf clubs is that theyare large and cumbersome.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages allin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an open golf club carrying case in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a further diagram of an open golf club carrying case inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a closed golf club carrying case in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a further diagram of a closed golf club carrying case inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a further open golf club carrying case inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a closed golf club carrying case in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7, 8, and 9 are cross-sectional views of a golf club carrying casein accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a wheeled golf club carrying case in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section of a further golf club carrying case inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrammatic representations of a collapsible golfbag in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with thepresent invention, it should be observed that the embodiments resideprimarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus componentsrelated to the transportation of golf clubs. Accordingly, the apparatuscomponents and method steps have been represented where appropriate byconventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specificdetails that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of thepresent invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details thatwill be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of the description herein.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

In one embodiment, a golf club carrying case has first and secondelongated shells connected along a first longitude edge by one or morehinges. At least one closing mechanism is used to hold the first andsecond elongated shells together, along a second longitude edge, to forman elongated housing. A number of restraints are used to restrain golfclubs within the elongated housing. The first and second elongatedshells are shaped such that one end of the elongated housing is largeenough to accommodate the heads of driver clubs and the lengths of thefirst and second elongated shells are sufficient to accommodate themaximum length of a driver club.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an open golf club carrying case 100 in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the golfclub carrying case 100 comprises a first elongated shell 102 and asecond elongated shell 102′. In this example, the first and secondshells have a semi-circular cross-section. However, other cross-sectionprofiles may be used, such as rectangular or oval for example.

The first and second elongated shells are coupled along one longitudinaledge by one or more hinges 104. The hinge 104 allows the first andsecond shells to be brought together to form a closed case. In thisexample, the closed case is a tube. In general, the closed shells forman elongated housing. The first shell 102 includes ends 106 and thesecond shell 102′ includes ends 106′. The shells and their ends are madeof a substantially rigid material, such as a plastic. The ends may becircular (or other shape) such that when the shells are broughttogether, the ends 106′ are inside the tube so that ends of the closedtube have double thickness to increase strength. Alternatively, theshells 102 and 102′ may have equal lengths and the ends may besemi-circular (or other shape) such that the ends butt together when theshells are brought together.

The shells are held together by closing mechanisms 108 and 110. 108 and110 may be constructed of hook-and-loop material for example. Otherlocking mechanisms may be used such as zips, latches, snaps, elasticbands and straps with buckles.

FIG. 2 is a further diagram of an open golf club carrying case 100 inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 2, the golfclub carrying case 100 holds golf clubs 202, such as irons, wedges andputters, held in place by one or more restraints 204. The restrains maybe elastic straps, hook-and-loop straps, foam inserts, clips, ordividers, for example. The golf club carrying case also holds largergolf clubs 206, such as woods or drivers. Soft inserts may be used tohold clubs in position and protect them from movement.

Commonly, the woods or drivers 206 have longer shafts and larger heads.In one embodiment of the invention, the golf club carrying case 100 issized such that the length of the golf club carrying case is greaterthan the length of the longest driver 206 and the cross section of thegolf club carrying case, at least in the region 208, is sufficient tocontain the driver with the largest head. In addition, in oneembodiment, the sum of the length, width and depth of the golf clubcarrying case is no greater than maximum length allowed by airlines forstandard sized luggage. For example, in one embodiment the sum of thelength, width and depth of the golf club carrying case is no more that62 inches. In one embodiment, the maximum cross-dimension of the endthat accommodates the driver heads is no more than approximately 6inches and the length of the carrying case is no more than approximately50 inches.

The golf club carrying case may be sized to hold a full set of 14 golfclubs or a half set of 7 golf clubs.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a closed golf club carrying case in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention. When closed, the closingmechanisms 108 and 110 are engaged and the two shells are held togetherto form a tube. The golf club carrying case may be carried in asubstantially horizontal orientation using carrying handle 302. Thehandle 302 may be a flexible handle, such as a strap or rope, or a rigidhandle, for example. When a flexible handle is used, a sleeve 304 may beplaced over the strap to provide a more comfortable grip or to increasethe stiffness of the handle in the central region. Second handles 306may be located on one or both ends of golf club carrying case. In afurther embodiment, a shoulder strap 308 is removably or fixedlyattached the carrying case to allow the case to be carried in a morevertical orientation. In a further embodiment, the handle takes the formof a shoulder strap.

FIG. 4 is a further diagram of a closed golf club carrying case inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. In this embodiment,the handle comprises two sections of rope 302 and 302′, with sleeves 304and 304′. Each rope is attached to one elongated shell 102 or 102′. Inone embodiment, the ropes are attached either side of the opening, sothat tension in the ropes tends to hold the golf club carrying caseshut. In a further embodiment, the ropes are attached one each side ofthe hinge, so that the hinge resists any tendency of the golf clubcarrying case to bend while being carried.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a further open golf club carrying case inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. In this embodiment,the cross-section of the golf club carrying case is reduced in a centralregion 502, relative to the end regions. The central region 502 holdsthe shafts of the golf clubs, which require less space than the heads.In this embodiment, the maximum cross-dimension of the central region502 of the elongated housing is less than the maximum cross-dimension ofeither end of the elongated housing.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a closed golf club carrying case 100 inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. The golf clubcarrying case 100 is shown supported by a wheeled suitcase 600 asdescribed in the co-pending application docket number 08-AND-01, titled‘Stackable, Towable Luggage’.

The region of reduced cross-section 502 is supported by the wheeledsuitcase 600 such that the ends of the golf club carrying case overhangthe suitcase and prevent the golf club carrying case from slidingbackwards or forwards as the suitcase 600 is moved by handle 602 acrossa surface 604. The golf club carrying case may be located in alongitudinal depression in the upper surface of the suitcase 600. In oneembodiment, the golf club carrying case 100 is restrained by a strap orother attachment mechanism 606. Part or all of the attachment mechanism606 maybe permanently attached to the golf club carrying case 100.Alternatively, the attachment mechanism 606 may be coupled to thesuitcase 600.

The first and second elongated shell 102 and 102′ and the hinge 104 maybe formed as regions of a single structure, the hinge region beingthinner than the first and second elongated shell regions. The closingmechanism may also be formed as regions of the single structure.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of a golf club carrying case inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 7 shows the golfclub carrying case 100 in a partially open configuration. The carryingcase is formed substantially from a single structure. First and secondelongated shells 102 and 102′ are coupled by a hinge 104 along one edge.The material thickness in the hinge 104 is thinner than the materialthickness in the shells 102 and 102′, SO that the hinge is flexiblewhereas the shells are more rigid. In operation, the hinge 104 is flexedto allow the case to be opened or closed. A latch 108 and correspondingcatch 110 are also integrated with the single structure. The materialthickness of the latch 108 is chosen so that the latch springs back intoposition following a deflection. The material may be plastic, forexample, and the structure may be formed by injection molding. It willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the structurecould alternatively be formed as two structures that are connected by ahinge 104.

FIG. 8 shows the carrying case 100 in a closed configuration. To closethe case, the latch 108 is passed through an opening in the catch 110 sothat a hook on the end of the latch engages the underside of the catch110. Spring tension in the latch 108 holds it in the engaged or caughtposition. To open to case 100, the end of the latch 108 is pressedinwards to allow it to pass through the opening in catch 110. Thecarrying case may have multiple latches.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club carrying case inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 9 shows anembodiment that includes a protective strip or bumper 902 thatencompasses the perimeter of the elongated shell 102. The strip 902 isconstructed of robust material such as a metal or a rubber-likematerial. The strip 902 can serve several purposes. Firstly, it protectsthe elongated cases 102 and 102′ from damage. Secondly, it can provideadditional strength to help maintain the shape of the elongated shell102. Thirdly, it acts as a guide and restraint to ensure that the upperelongated 102′ aligns with the lower elongated shell 102 when the caseis closed. Alignment is further aided by one or more protrusions 904 onthe inner rim of the upper elongated shell 102′. These protrusions maybe integral with the upper elongated shell 102′. In one embodiment, arubber-like strip 902 covers and protects the hinge 104, as shown in thefigure. In a further embodiment, the hinge 104 is integral with theprotective strip 902.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a wheeled golf club carrying case in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIG. 10, one ormore wheels 1002 are coupled to one end of the elongated shell 102.These wheels allow the carrying case 100 to be pulled or pushed using ahandle at the other end of the case. A single wheel may be in the formof a roller having a width (2-4 inches for example) that is sufficientto provide a stable base. When two of more wheels are used, they arespaced apart to provide a stable base. The wheels may be retractable orfixed.

The carrying case 100 may also include one or more circumferential bands1004. These bands may be constructed of a rubber-like material or arigid material. When the case is transported on top of another case orcart, the bands 1004 prevent axial motion of the carrying case 100relative the transporting case.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section of a further golf club carrying case inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 11, theclosing mechanism comprises a first zip fastener 1102 that connects thefirst and second elongated shells 102 and 102′. A foldable gusset 1104is attached to the perimeter of the first elongated shell 102. A secondzip fastener 1106 may be closed to maintain the foldable gusset 1104 ina folded configuration (as shown) and opened to allow the foldablegusset 1104 to be unfolded and thereby increase the interior volume ofthe golf club carrying case 100. Similar expandable gussets are commonlyused in soft-sided suitcases.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a collapsible golf bag in accordance with someembodiments of the invention. Referring to FIG. 12, the collapsible golfbag 1200 comprises an elongated flexible bag 1202 suspended from asubstantially rigid frame 1204. The flexible bag 1202 may have a bellowsor concertina form that allows it extended to a length sufficient tocarry golf clubs, but also enables it to be compressed to a much shorterlength as shown in FIG. 13. Referring again to FIG. 12, one or morehooks or other attachments 1206 are coupled to the frame 1204 to enablethe bag to be suspended from a golf cart or other structure. Whensuspended by the hook, the weight of the golf clubs extends the flexiblebag 1202. The hooks may be attached by a swivel or hinge joint so thatthey can be folded down when the bag is collapsed. The width of frame,shown as ‘w’ in FIG. 12, is such that the collapsible golf bag 1200 maybe transported within a golf club carrying case of the type describedabove.

An additional bag 1208 may be attached to the collapsible golf bag 1200using clips 1210, for example. The additional bag 1208 may be used tocarry accessories.

In some embodiments, a shoulder strap 1212 is removably or permanentlyattached to the frame 1204 and to the body of the bag. A carrying handle1214 may be also be used for carrying the golf bag.

FIG. 13 shows the collapsible golf bag in a collapsed configuration. Inthe collapsed configuration, the height ‘h’ of the collapsed bag and thewidth of the frame are such that the collapsible golf bag 1200 may betransported within a golf club carrying case of the type describedabove.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the artappreciates that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theclaims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, andany element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution tooccur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including anyamendments made during the pendency of this application and allequivalents of those claims as issued.

1. A golf club carrying case comprising: first and second elongatedshells; a hinge connecting the first and second elongated shells along afirst longitude edge; at least one closing mechanism configured to holdthe first and second elongated shells together along a second longitudeedge to form an elongated housing having a first end and a second end;and at least one restraint coupled to at least one of the first andsecond elongated shells and configured to restrain golf clubs within theelongated housing; wherein the first and second elongated shells areshaped such that the first end of the elongated housing is large enoughto accommodate the heads of a plurality of driver clubs and wherein thelengths of the first and second elongated shells are sufficient toaccommodate a maximum length of a driver club.
 2. A golf club carryingcase in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sum of the length, widthand depth of the elongated housing formed by the first and secondelongated shells is no more than approximately 62 inches.
 3. A golf clubcarrying case in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first and secondshells are substantially hemi-cylindrical in shape and wherein thediameter of the elongated housing formed by the first and secondelongated shells is no more than approximately six inches.
 3. A golfclub carrying case in accordance with claim 1, wherein a restraint ofthe at least one restraint comprises an elastic strap.
 4. A golf clubcarrying case in accordance with claim 1, wherein a restraint of the atleast one of restraint comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.
 5. A golfclub carrying case in accordance with claim 1, wherein the maximumcross-dimension of the first end of the elongated housing first is nomore than approximately six inches.
 6. A golf club carrying case inaccordance with claim 5, wherein the golf club case is sized toaccommodate a set of 14 golf clubs.
 7. A golf club carrying case inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the maximum cross-dimension of acentral region of the elongated housing is less than the maximumcross-dimension of the first end of the elongated housing and less thanthe maximum cross-dimension of the second end of the elongated housing.8. A golf club carrying case in accordance with claim 1, furthercomprising at least one wheel coupled to one end of the elongatedhousing.
 9. A golf club carrying case in accordance with claim 1,further comprising an attachment mechanism for attaching the golf clubcarrying case to a wheeled suitcase.
 10. A golf club carrying case inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the first and second elongated shellscomprise plastic shells.
 11. A golf club carrying case in accordancewith claim 1, further comprising a first handle configured to allow thegolf club carrying case to be held in a substantially horizontalorientation.
 12. A golf club carrying case in accordance with claim 11,wherein the first handle comprises a first flexible strap attached tothe first elongated shell at a location opposite the hinge and a secondflexible strap attached to the second elongated shell at a locationopposite to the hinge.
 13. A golf club carrying case in accordance withclaim 1, further comprising a second handle attached to an end of theelongated housing.
 14. A golf club carrying case in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a mechanism selectedfrom the group of mechanisms consisting of a latch, a zip, a strap witha buckle, and a strap with a hook-and-loop fastener.
 15. A golf clubcarrying case in accordance with claim 1, wherein the ends of the firstelongated shell overlap the ends of the second elongated shell when thegolf club carrying case is closed.
 16. A golf club carrying case inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the sum of the length, width and depthof the elongated housing formed by the first and second elongated shellsis no more than approximately 62 inches.
 17. A golf club carrying casein accordance with claim 1, further comprising a protective stripencompassing the perimeter of the first elongated shell.
 18. A golf clubcarrying case in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at leastone circumferential band positioned to inhibit axial motion of the golfclub carrying case relative to a supporting surface.
 19. A golf clubcarrying case in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a shoulderstrap fixedly or removably coupled to the elongated housing.
 20. A golfclub carrying case in accordance with claim 1, wherein the maximumcross-dimension of the first end of the elongated housing first is nomore than approximately six inches, the golf club carrying case furthercomprising: a collapsible golf bag having a substantially rigid frameconfigured to support a collapsible flexible bag, wherein the width ofrigid frame and the height of the flexible bag are such that thecollapsible golf bag may be accommodated within the golf club carryingcase.
 21. A golf club carrying case in accordance with claim 20, whereinthe collapsible golf bag further comprises: at least one carrying strap;and at least one hook configured to attach the collapsible golf to agolf cart.
 22. A golf club carrying case in accordance with claim 20,further comprises: an accessories bag removably attached to thecollapsible golf.
 23. A golf club carrying case in accordance with claim1, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a first zip fastener operableto connect the first and second elongated shells, the golf club carryingcase further comprising: a foldable gusset around the perimeter of thefirst elongated shell; and second zip fastener that may be closed tomaintain the foldable gusset in a folded configuration and opened toallow the foldable gusset to be unfolded and thereby increase theinterior volume of the golf club carrying case.
 24. A golf club carryingcase comprising: an elongated housing having: first and second regionsthat form first and second elongated shells; and a third region, locatedbetween longitudinal edges of the first and second regions, that forms ahinge, the material in the third region being thinner than the materialfirst and second regions; wherein the first and second elongated shellsare shaped such that one end of the elongated housing is large enough toaccommodate the heads of a plurality of driver clubs and wherein thelengths of the first and second elongated shells are sufficient toaccommodate a maximum length of a driver club.
 25. A golf club carryingcase in accordance with claim 24, further comprising: a latch integratedwith the first elongated shell; and a catch integrated with the secondelongated shell and positioned to engage the latch in the firstelongated shell.
 26. A golf club carrying case comprising: a firstelongated shell; a second elongated shell; a hinge connecting the firstand second elongated shells along a first longitude edge; at least oneclosing mechanism configured to hold the first and second elongatedshells together along a second longitude edge to form an elongatedhousing having a first end and a second end; a latch integrated with thefirst elongated shell; and a catch integrated with the second elongatedshell and positioned to engage the latch of the first elongated shell,wherein the first and second elongated shells are shaped such that oneend of the elongated housing is large enough to accommodate the heads ofa plurality of driver clubs and wherein the lengths of the first andsecond elongated shells are sufficient to accommodate a maximum lengthof a driver club.
 27. A golf club carrying case in accordance with claim26, wherein the sum of the length, width and depth of the elongatedhousing formed by the first and second elongated shells is no more than62 inches.